What began with 2008’s Iron Manends with Avengers: Infinity War and next year’s untitled Avengers movie. Over a decades worth of excellent films, coupled with the gradual buildup to the battle with Thanos (Josh Brolin) may have proven to be a bit anti-climactic and disappointing because, if one is cynical, how long can this golden streak last?

Avengers: Infinity War is actually the finest hour (actually, make that two hours and twenty nine minutes) in the Marvel cinematic universe mainly thanks to Thanos. Though the Guardians of the Galaxy, the Avengers, Spider-Man (Tom Holland), Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and The Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) all have their respective moments within this epic narrative, everything would have fallen flat if a compelling villain didn’t take center stage. Like Black Panther’s antagonist Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), Thanos has a violent way of doing business, but it is a thirst that is not borne out of world domination or even blood lust. Thanos’ desire to possess all the Infinity Stones and fit them into his power glove stems from a vision to make the universe a more sustainable place, even if millions of different races have to be killed in the process.

It’s Thanos’ grand vision that lords over Avengers: Infinity War, but if you want to see tons of CGI driven action and each of Earth’s “mightiest heroes” humbled beyond belief, Avengers: Infinity War will definitely do the trick. Credit goes to directors Anthony and Joe Russo for keeping the multitude of storylines, set in different parts of Marvel’s world, streamlined and interest. Each of the story arcs, while seemingly beating to the tune of a different drummer, all fit into place.

Even if you’re not a comic book fan, Avengers: Infinity War succeeds as an action driven film that refreshingly refuses to let up (even the end credits scene, without giving too much away, is ambitious), and there will be moments that, if you haven’t read or listened to spoilers, will surely take you by surprise. Well written, action packed escapist fare is few and far between, and it’s also a huge accomplishment that, after years of hype, Avengers: Infinity Warlives up to the billing.

Speaking of Thanos, click on the media bar to hear Josh Brolin talk about how he approached playing Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War:

Black Panther was a box office animal this past weekend, shattering records with its $235 million opening. While analysts try to break down the movie to figure out why it did so phenomenally well, star Chadwick Boseman offers a very simple explanation: He thinks director Ryan Coogler was the right man for the job, and he inspired everyone on the set to make an awesome film. (Click on the media bar below to hear Chadwick Boseman)

It’s been a great creative period for Daniel Kaluuya thanks to the critical acclaim that was heaped on the horror thriller Get Out. That role will undoubtedly open even more doors for the talented actor, and in Black Panther he plays W’Kabi, T’Challa’s (Chadwick Boseman) closest friend who has his own vision on how Wakanda should be run.

Kaluuya had nothing but praise for Black Panther filmmaker Ryan Coogler. “He knows himself, he knows what he’s about,” said Kaluuya. “He spots little things. He’s very emotionally detailed and just seeing him just navigate this job – it’s breaking new ground. Growth hurts and to see him go through this is just really inspiring.”

Click on the media bar to hear Kaluuya elaborate on how he connected with W’Kabi:

Black Panther, co-starring Lupita N’yongo and Martin Freeman, is now playing nationwide.

One of cinema’s most successful collaborations is between filmmaker Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan. Their previous films Fruitvale Station and Creed were critical successes, and now the duo are receiving tons of praises for their work in Black Panther. It’s a partnership that is akin to Martin Scorsese’s early collaborations with Robert De Niro, and hopefully Black Panther is just another step in a long and successful union.

“We continue to grow,” said Jordan who plays villain Erik Kilmonger in the film. “We’re growing together. We raise the bar – we try to one each project that we do. I’m forever impressed by his talent and ability. We have a connection that can’t be broken.”

Click on the media bar to hear Jordan discuss what Wakanda means to him.

When we say Chadwick Boseman looks hot in his Black Panther superhero suit, we mean it. Literally. Boseman told us that — in terms of temperature — the Black Panther outfit is one of the warmest things he’s ever worn.